When a tree falls on your property — whether from a storm, disease, or age — it can be a stressful and dangerous situation. Knowing what to do in those first moments can protect your family, your property, and make the cleanup process much smoother.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety
Your first priority is always safety. If a tree has fallen on or near your home:
- Evacuate the area if there is any structural damage to your home
- Stay away from downed power lines — assume any wire on the ground is live
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or if power lines are involved
- Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself if it is on a structure or near utilities
Step 2: Contact Your Power Company
If the fallen tree has brought down power lines or damaged utility equipment, contact your power company immediately. In the Gallatin and Sumner County area, that is the Gallatin Department of Electricity or Middle Tennessee Electric. They will need to disconnect power before any tree work can begin.
Step 3: Call a Professional Tree Service
Emergency tree removal requires professional equipment and experience. A fallen tree near a structure, vehicle, or power line is not a DIY project. Look for a tree service that offers:
- 24-hour availability — storms do not wait for business hours
- Proper insurance — both liability and workers' compensation
- Experience with emergency situations
- The right equipment for safe, efficient removal
At Veterans' Tree Service, we are available 24 hours a day and have over 10 years of experience handling emergency tree removal throughout Gallatin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, White House, and Portland.
Step 4: Document the Damage
Before any cleanup begins, document everything for your insurance claim:
- Take photos and video from multiple angles
- Note the date, time, and weather conditions
- Document any damage to structures, vehicles, or landscaping
- Keep all receipts for emergency services
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover tree removal when a tree falls on a structure. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. They may require specific documentation or prefer to send an adjuster before cleanup begins.
Prevention: Signs a Tree May Fall
Regular tree inspection can help you identify problem trees before they become emergencies:
- Leaning that has increased over time
- Cracks or splits in the trunk
- Dead branches or bare patches in the canopy
- Fungal growth at the base or on the trunk
- Root damage from construction or soil changes
If you notice any of these signs, call for a professional assessment. Removing a hazardous tree proactively is always safer and more affordable than emergency removal after it falls.
Need Emergency Tree Removal?
Call Veterans' Tree Service at (615) 719-5952 — we are available 24 hours a day. You can also reach out online for non-emergency estimates.